Three different goal scorers propelled Kaya FC–Iloilo to a third straight victory in the 2019 Philippines Football League. Kenshiro Daniels, Simone Rota, and Jayson Panhay all found the back of the net in the 3-1 win over Green Archers United on Wednesday afternoon, at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
The match didn’t start in comfortable fashion for the hosts, as Green Archers United settled the quicker of the two sides. Stephen Appiah was particularly threatening up front for the visitors early on, with Ace Villanueva called into action on several occasions. But just as the Archers looked as if they were getting closer to an opener, Jordan Mintah threatened on the other end with a headed effort that pinged off the crossbar.
Just before the half-hour mark, Kenshiro Daniels opened the scoring. From several meters outside the box, Daniels curled an effort over the wall and past the reach of United’s shot stopper — the team’s first goal this season direct from a free kick. Simone Rota added a second just before half time. From Daniels’ in swinger, the veteran thumped a header into the top corner to establish a cushion heading into the break.
Iloilo didn’t take long to build on their advantage. Just six minutes after the restart, Connor Tacagni dispossessed the opposition inside their own half, then fed Jayson Panhay, who fired past the keeper with a powerful strike. Green Archers pulled one back right before the hour mark through Appiah, but his well taken goal proved to be a mere consolation.
Kaya FC–Iloilo play their final match of the season on Saturday, 4pm, when they take on the three-time PFL champions, Ceres Negros at the Aboitiz Pitch.
